Composition and system for flocculating or settling solids from liquids and methods for using same

ABSTRACT

A system and method for treating water or sewage is provided. The system can include a screening tank, a septic tank, a flocculant and mixing reactor, a primary clarifier, a secondary clarifier, a sludge dewatering tank, a surge tank, one or more filter tanks and a disinfection tank. The method can include the steps of receiving water or sewage to be treated and passing it through a screening tank and septic tank, a flocculant reactor, a primary clarifier, a secondary clarifier, a sludge dewatering tank, a surge tank, one or more filter tanks and a disinfection tank.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage Completion of PCT/CA2012/000051filed Jan. 17, 2012 which claims priority of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. Nos. 61/433,433 filed Jan. 17, 2011 and 61/524,687filed Aug. 17, 2011, and hereby incorporates these same provisionalapplications by reference herein in their entirety. This application isa National Stage Completion of PCT/CA2012/000051 filed Jan. 17, 2012.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is related to the field of compositions used forflocculating or settling solids suspended in liquids, the methods usedin manufacturing such composition, and the use of such compositions inreactors for flocculating solids suspended in liquids. The presentdisclosure is further related to the field of systems and methods usedin the treatment of water, in particular, systems and methods used inthe treatment and clarification of waste water, sewage or industrialeffluent.

BACKGROUND

Water and liquids used in construction, industrial, mining and welldrilling operations can contain suspended solids after being used. Insome instances, governmental laws and regulations can require that theremoval of the suspended solids must be carried out before the water orliquids can be liquids, once the solids have been removed, can reducethe costs of the operation by re-using the liquids instead of discardingthe liquids and using new or fresh liquids at a higher cost.

Waste water and sewage can contain suspended solids. In some instances,governmental laws and regulations can require that the removal of thesuspended solids must be carried out before the water or liquids can beintroduced into the environment. In other instances, the recovery of theliquids, once the solids have been removed, can reduce the costs of theoperation by re-using the liquids instead of discarding the liquids andusing new or fresh liquids at a higher cost.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,085,916 issued to Zimmie et al. on Apr. 16, 1963, whichis incorporated by reference into this application in its entirety,describes a method of flocculating and preventing the accumulation ofsolids or silt in cooling systems by introducing water-soluablepolyelectrolytic organic polymers into aqueous cooling systems.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,526 issued to Corbett on Jan. 14, 1975, which isincorporated by reference into this application in its entirety,describes a solid flocculant that can be placed into an effluent streamor body of water to release flocculant into the stream or water at acontrolled rate.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,886 issued to Iwinski on Feb. 24, 1998, which isincorporated by reference into this application in its entirety,describes a process for using polymer to remove dissolved andparticulate metal from mine waste water.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,620 issued to Iwinski on Aug. 18, 1998, which isincorporated by reference into this application in its entirety,describes the coating of waste rock with polymer to retard the leachingof metal from the waste rock.

The shortcomings of the prior art are that they do not provide acost-effective and efficient method of flocculating or settling ofsolids suspended in liquids. In addition, the prior art concerning wastewater treatment systems does not provide a cost-effective and efficientmethod of flocculating or settling of solids suspended in liquids, asthese prior art methods and systems can take 2 to 5 weeks to clarifywater using microbial reactions.

It is, therefore, desirable to provide a composition and a method ofusing the composition that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art,and to provide a system and a method of treating water and, in someembodiments, sewage that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY

A composition for flocculating or settling solids suspended in liquidsis provided. In some embodiments, the composition can comprise apolymer, a soluble salt of a group IA metal or a soluble salt of a groupIIA metal of the periodic table, and water. In other embodiments, thesoluble salt of a group IA metal or the soluble salt of a group IIAmetal can be formed by combining a salt of a group IA metal or a salt ofa group IIA metal with a mineral acid or an organic acid.

In some embodiments, the composition can be manufactured by firstcombining the polymer and the alkaline earth metal soluble salt, andthen adding the water.

In some embodiments, a cartridge is provided for use in flocculating orsettling solids suspended in liquids. The cartridge can comprise anouter sidewall and inner sidewall wherein the composition can bedisposed therebetween. The outer and inner sidewalls can furthercomprise perforations wherein liquids flowing around the cartridge cancontact the composition through the perforations and cause thecomposition to dissolve and enter into the liquids.

In some embodiments, a reactor is provided for flocculating or settlingsolids suspended in liquids. The reactor can comprise a housingconfigured to house a cartridge comprising the composition, the reactorfurther comprising an inlet and an outlet wherein liquids containingsuspended solids can enter through the inlet and flow around thecartridge to contact the composition and exit through the outlet.

In some embodiments, a reactor system is provided for flocculating orsettling solids suspended in liquids, the system comprising a pluralityof reactors configured in a series, a parallel or a series/parallelconfiguration.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a composition is provided forflocculating or settling solids suspended in liquids, comprising: apolymer flocculant comprising a high molecular weight, in a proportionof approximately 10% to 70% by weight; a soluble salt of a group IAmetal or a soluble salt of a group IIA metal, in a proportion ofapproximately 0.5% to 35% by weight; and water, in a proportion to makeup the balance of 100% weight.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a use of a composition is providedfor the settling of solids suspended in liquids, the compositioncomprising: a polymer flocculant comprising a high molecular weight, ina proportion of approximately 10% to 70% by weight; a soluble salt of agroup IA metal or a soluble salt of a group IIA metal, in a proportionof approximately 0.5% to 35% by weight; and water, in a proportion tomake up the balance of 100% weight.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a method for manufacturing acomposition for flocculating or settling solids suspended in liquids,the method comprising the steps of: providing approximately 10% to 70%by weight of a polymer flocculant comprising a high molecular weight;adding approximately 0.5% to 35% by weight of a soluble salt of a groupIA metal or a soluble salt of a group IIA metal; and adding water tomake up a balance of 100% weight.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a cartridge is provided for use inflocculating or settling solids suspended in liquids, the cartridgecomprising; an outer sidewall; an inner sidewall; a composition disposedbetween the outer and inner sidewalls, the composition comprising: apolymer flocculant comprising a high molecular weight, in a proportionof approximately 10% to 70% by weight, a soluble salt of a group IAmetal or a soluble salt of a group IIA metal, in a proportion ofapproximately 0.5% to 35% by weight, and water, in a proportion to makeup the balance of 100% weight; and a plurality of perforations disposedthrough one or both of the outer and inner sidewalls.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a method is provided forflocculating or settling solids suspended in liquids, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a reactor housing, the reactorhousing comprising an inlet, an outlet and an enclosed chamber havingcommunication with the inlet and outlet; providing a composition, andplacing the composition in the chamber, the composition comprising: apolymer flocculant comprising a high molecular weight, in a proportionof approximately 10% to 70% by weight, a soluble salt of a group IAmetal or a soluble salt of a group IIA metal, in a proportion ofapproximately 0.5% to 35% by weight, and water, in a proportion to makeup the balance of 100% weight; and passing liquids comprising suspendedsolids into the inlet, wherein the liquids can contact the compositionbefore exiting the reactor housing through the outlet.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a method is provided forflocculating solids from drilling fluids, the method comprising thesteps of: providing a reactor housing, the reactor housing comprising aninlet, an outlet and an enclosed chamber having communication with theinlet and outlet; providing a composition, and placing the compositionin the chamber, the composition comprising: a polymer flocculantcomprising a high molecular weight, in a proportion of approximately 10%to 70% by weight, a soluble salt of a group IA metal or a soluble saltof a group IIA metal, in a proportion of approximately 0.5% to 35% byweight, and water, in a proportion to make up the balance of 100%weight; receiving drilling fluid containing solids from a well;directing the drilling fluid into the inlet, wherein the drilling fluidcan contact and react with the composition before exiting the reactorhousing through the outlet; and directing the drilling fluid exitingfrom the outlet to a holding tank wherein the solids can settle from thedrilling fluid.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a reactor system is provided forflocculating or settling solids suspended in liquids, comprising: atleast one reactor housing, the at least one reactor housing comprisingan inlet, an outlet and an enclosed chamber having communication betweenthe inlet and outlet; a cartridge disposed in the enclosed chamber; andthe cartridge comprising an outer sidewall, an inner sidewall and acomposition disposed between the outer and inner sidewalls, thecomposition comprising: a polymer flocculant comprising a high molecularweight, in a proportion of approximately 10% to 70% by weight, a solublesalt of a group IA metal or a soluble salt of a group IIA metal, in aproportion of approximately 0.5% to 35% by weight, and water, in aproportion to make up the balance of 100% weight.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a system is provided for treatingwaste water comprising suspended solids, the system comprising: ascreening tank configured to receive the waste water; at least oneseptic tank configured to receive the waste water from the screeningtank; a mixing reactor configured to receive the waste water from the atleast one septic tank; a flocculant tank configured to inject flocculantinto the mixing reactor wherein the flocculant mixes with the wastewater; a primary clarifier configured to receive the waste water mixedwith the flocculant from the mixing reactor wherein at least some of thesuspended solids disposed in the waste water settle in the primaryclarifier to produce first clarified waste water and first settledsolids; a secondary clarifier configured to receive the first clarifiedwaste water from the primary clarifier wherein at least some of thesuspended solids disposed in the first clarified water settle in thesecondary clarifier to produce second clarified waste water and secondsettled solids; a surge tank configured to receive the second clarifiedwaste water from the secondary clarifier; and at least one filter tankconfigured to receive the second clarified waste water from the surgetank wherein the second clarified waste water is filtered to producetreated waste water.

In some embodiments, the system can further comprise a flocculantreactor operatively connected to the primary clarifier wherein at leastsome of the waste water disposed in the primary clarifier passes throughthe flocculant reactor and fed back into the primary clarifier. In someembodiments, the system can further comprise a disinfection and surgetank configured to receive the treated waste water from the at least onefilter tank wherein the treated waste water is disinfected. In someembodiments, the system can further comprise a sludge storage tankconfigured to receive one or both of the first settled solids from theprimary clarifier and the second settled solids from the secondaryclarifier. In some embodiments, the system can further comprise a sludgedewatering tank configured to receive settled solids from the sludgestorage tank and to remove water from the settled solids.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a method is provided for treatingwaste water comprising suspended solids, the method comprising the stepsof: passing the waste water through a screening tank; passing thescreened waste water through at least one septic tank; passing thescreened waste water from the septic tank through a mixing reactor;injecting flocculant into the mixing reactor wherein the flocculantmixes with the screened waste water; passing the screened waste waterfrom the mixing reactor through a primary clarifier wherein at leastsome of the suspended solids disposed in the screened waste water settlein the primary clarifier to produce first clarified waste water andfirst settled solids; passing the first clarified waste water through asecondary clarifier wherein at least some of the suspended solidsdisposed in the first clarified waste water settle in the secondaryclarifier to produce second clarified waste water and second settledsolids; passing the second clarified waste water through a surge tank;and passing the second clarified waste water through at least one filtertank wherein the second clarified waste is filtered to produce treatedwaste water.

In some embodiments, the method can further comprise the step of passingat least some of the screened waste water disposed in the primaryclarifier through a flocculant reactor and back into the primaryclarifier. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise the stepof passing the treated sewage through a disinfection and surge tankwherein the treated waste water is disinfected. In some embodiments, themethod can further comprise the step of passing one or both of the firstsettled solids from the primary clarifier and the second settled solidsfrom the secondary clarifier to a sludge storage tank. In someembodiments, the method can further comprise the step of removing waterfrom the settled solids disposed in the sludge storage tank.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a system is provided for treatingwaste water comprising suspended solids, the system comprising: meansfor passing the waste water through a screening tank; means for passingthe screened waste water through at least one septic tank; means forpassing the waste water from the septic tank through a mixing reactor;means for injecting flocculant into the mixing reactor wherein theflocculant mixes with the waste water; means for passing the waste waterfrom the mixing reactor through a primary clarifier wherein at leastsome of the suspended solids settle in the primary clarifier to producefirst clarified waste water and first settled solids; means for passingthe first clarified waste water through a secondary clarifier wherein atleast some of the suspended solids settle in the secondary clarifier toproduce second clarified waste water and second settled solids; meansfor passing the second clarified waste water through a surge tank; andmeans for passing the second clarified waste water through at least onefilter tank wherein the second clarified waste is filtered to producetreated waste water.

In some embodiments, the system can further comprise means for passingat least some of the waste water in the primary clarifier through aflocculant reactor and back into the primary clarifier. In someembodiments, the system can further comprise means for passing thetreated waste water through a disinfection and surge tank wherein thetreated waste water is disinfected. In some embodiments, the system canfurther comprise means for passing one or both of the first settledsolids from the primary clarifier and the second settled solids from thesecondary clarifier to a sludge storage tank. In some embodiments, thesystem can further comprise means for removing water from the settledsolids disposed in the sludge storage tank.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments a system is provided for treatingsewage comprising suspended solids, comprising: a screening tankconfigured to receive the sewage; at least one septic tank configured toreceive the sewage from the screening tank; a mixing reactor configuredto receive the sewage from the at least one septic tank; a flocculanttank configured to inject flocculant into the mixing reactor wherein theflocculant mixes with the sewage; a primary clarifier configured toreceive the sewage mixed with the flocculant from the mixing reactorwherein at least some of the suspended solids disposed in the sewagesettle in the primary clarifier to produce first clarified sewage andfirst settled solids; a secondary clarifier configured to receive thefirst clarified sewage from the primary clarifier wherein at least someof the suspended solids disposed in the first clarified sewage settle inthe secondary clarifier to produce second clarified sewage and secondsettled solids; a surge tank configured to receive the second clarifiedsewage from the secondary clarifier; and at least one filter tankconfigured to receive the second clarified sewage from the surge tankwherein the second clarified sewage is filtered to produce treatedsewage.

In some embodiments, the system can further comprise a flocculantreactor operatively connected to the primary clarifier wherein at leastsome of the sewage disposed in the primary clarifier passes through theflocculant reactor and fed back into the primary clarifier. In someembodiments, the system can further comprise a disinfection and surgetank configured to receive the treated sewage from the at least onefilter tank wherein the treated waste water is disinfected. In someembodiments, the system can further comprise a sludge storage tankconfigured to receive one or both of the first settled solids from theprimary clarifier and the second settled solids from the secondaryclarifier. In some embodiments, the system can further comprise a sludgedewatering tank configured to receive settled solids from the sludgestorage tank and to remove water from the settled solids.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a method is provided for treatingsewage comprising suspend solids, the method comprising the steps of:passing the sewage through a screening tank; passing the screened sewagethrough at least one septic tank; passing the screened sewage from theseptic tank through a mixing reactor; injecting flocculant into themixing reactor wherein the flocculant mixes with the screened sewage;passing the screened sewage from the mixing reactor through a primaryclarifier wherein at least some of the suspended solids disposed in thescreened sewage settle in the primary clarifier to produce firstclarified sewage and first settled solids; passing the first clarifiedsewage through a secondary clarifier wherein at least some of thesuspended solids disposed in the first clarified sewage settle in thesecondary clarifier to produce second clarified sewage and secondsettled solids; passing the second clarified sewage through a surgetank; and passing the second clarified sewage through at least onefilter tank wherein the second clarified waste is filtered to producetreated sewage.

In some embodiments, the method can further comprise the step of passingat least some of the screened sewage disposed in the primary clarifierthrough a flocculant reactor and back into the primary clarifier. Insome embodiments, the method can further comprise the step of passingthe treated sewage through a disinfection and surge tank wherein thetreated sewage is disinfected. In some embodiments, the method canfurther comprise the step of passing one or both of the first settledsolids from the primary clarifier and the second settled solids from thesecondary clarifier to a sludge storage tank. In some embodiments, themethod can further comprise the step of removing water from the settledsolids disposed in the sludge storage tank.

Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a system is provided for treatingsewage comprising suspended solids, the system comprising: means forpassing the sewage through a screening tank; means for passing thescreened sewage through at least one septic tank; means for passing thescreened sewage from the septic tank through a mixing reactor; means forinjecting flocculant into the mixing reactor wherein the flocculantmixes with the screened sewage; means for passing the screened sewagefrom the mixing reactor through a primary clarifier wherein at leastsome of the suspended solids disposed in the screened sewage settle inthe primary clarifier to produce first clarified sewage and firstsettled solids; means for passing the first clarified sewage through asecondary clarifier wherein at least some of the suspended solidsdisposed in the first clarified sewage settle in the secondary clarifierto produce second clarified sewage and second settled solids; means forpassing the second clarified sewage through a surge tank; and means forpassing the second clarified sewage through at least one filter tankwherein the second clarified waste is filtered to produce treatedsewage.

In some embodiments, the system can further comprise means for passingat least some of the screened sewage disposed in the primary clarifierthrough a flocculant reactor and back into the primary clarifier. Insome embodiments, the system can further comprise means for passing thetreated sewage through a disinfection and surge tank wherein the treatedsewage is disinfected. In some embodiments, the system can furthercomprise means for passing one or both of the first settled solids fromthe primary clarifier and the second settled solids from the secondaryclarifier to a sludge storage tank. In some embodiments, the system canfurther comprise means for removing water from the settled solidsdisposed in the sludge storage tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view depicting a cartridge comprising acomposition for use in flocculating solids suspended in liquids.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view depicting an alternate embodiment of thecartridge of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an inverted perspective view depicting a reactor housingcomprising the cartridge of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view depicting the interior of an empty reactorhousing.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view depicting the cartridge of FIG. 1 or 2installed in the reactor housing of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view depicting the reactor housing of FIG. 5with a spring cap placed on the cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a schematic depicting a plurality of reactors of FIG. 3 in aparallel configuration, the reactors shown in an inverted configuration.

FIG. 8 is a schematic depicting a plurality of reactors of FIG. 3 in aseries-parallel configuration, the reactors shown in an invertedconfiguration.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view depicting six reactors of FIG. 3 in aseries-parallel configuration.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of system fortreating water or sewage.

FIG. 11 is a schematic depicting another embodiment of the system ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a schematic depicting a third embodiment of the system ofFIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In some embodiments, a composition is provided for flocculating orsettling solids suspended in liquids. The composition can be aflocculant in solid or gelatinous form that can dissolve into liquids.When liquids containing suspended solids contact the composition, thecomposition can dissolve thereby releasing flocculant into the liquid tocontact the suspended solids. The suspended solids, having beencontacted with the flocculant, can clump together and then settle fromthe liquids.

In some embodiments, the composition can comprise a polymer or polymericflocculant, which can further comprise a macromolecular organiccomponent and have a high molecular weight. Suitable examples caninclude those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,085,916 and 3,860,526,incorporated by reference herein. The proportion of the polymer in thecomposition can be in the range of approximately 10% to 70% by weight.The composition can further comprise any suitable soluble salt of agroup IA metal or of a group IIA metal of the periodic table as wellknown to those skilled in the art, the proportion of which can be in therange of approximately 0.5% to 35% by weight. Examples of suitablesoluble salts can include those disclosed in the above-mentionedpatents. The balance of the composition can comprise water to make upthe 100% weight.

In some embodiments, the soluble salt of a group IA metal or of a groupIIA metal of the periodic table can be a combination of any suitablesalt of a group IA metal or of a group IIA metal of the periodic tableas well known to those skilled in the art, such as those metals thatappear in columns IA or IIA of the chemical periodic table, as wellknown to those skilled in the art, with any suitable organic or mineralacid as well known to those skilled in the art, Suitable examples caninclude sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid and nitric acid as mineralacids, whereas suitable organic acids can include acetic acid, boricacid, citric acid and formic acid. Other suitable mineral or organicacids can include those described in U.S Patent Nos. 3,085,916 and3,860,526, incorporated by reference herein, the suitable selection ofwhich can obviously be determined by those skilled in the art. Thebalance of the composition can comprise water to make up the 100%weight.

In some embodiments, the composition can be manufactured by firstcombining the polymer and the salt of a group IA metal or of a group IIAmetal of the periodic table, both of which can be in solid granular orpowder form, and then mixing them with the organic or mineral acid andwater. In other embodiments, the salt of a group IA metal or of a groupIIA metal of the periodic table can be mixed with the acid and water,and then add the polymer to the mixture.

In further embodiments, the composition can be manufactured by firstcombining the polymer with the soluble salt of a group IA metal or of agroup IIA element of the periodic table, and then adding the balance ofwater. In yet further embodiments, the composition can be manufacturedby first mixing the soluble salt of a group IA metal or of a group IIAmetal of the periodic table with the water, and then adding the polymer.

In any of the manufacturing methods described herein, the resultantmixtures of the components of the composition can then react with eachother, which can further result in the mixture setting or curing into asolid or gelatinous form. Once the components of the composition havebeen mixed together, there can be a working time ranging from anywherefrom approximately 2 to 10 minutes to affix the shape of the compositionafter which the shape composition can become set or cured.

In terms of the methods of manufacture relating to whether the lastcomponent added to the mixture to form the composition is water or thepolymer, it has been observed that the choice of which can result in thepolymer being more soluble or less soluble. For example, if the water isthe last component added to a mixture of polymer and salt of a group IAmetal or of a group IIA metal of the periodic table, it is observed thatthe resulting composition is less soluble in terms of releasing thepolymer. If the polymer is the last component added to a mixture of thesoluble salt of a group IA metal or of a group IIA metal of the periodictable, it is observed that the resulting composition is more soluble interms of releasing the polymer. The choice of manufacture can be made inrespect of the application for the composition. If the composition is tobe used in a closed-loop system where liquids are recirculated throughthe composition, then using a composition whose polymer is less solublemay be preferable to prevent the composition being consumed or dissolvedtoo rapidly. If the composition is to be used in an open-loop systemwhere liquids pass through the composition once, then using acomposition whose polymer is more soluble may be preferable to introducethe polymer into the liquids at a predetermined or desired rate.

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a cartridge for use with thecompositions and methods of use described herein is illustrated. In someembodiments, cartridge 110 can comprise outer sidewall 112 and innersidewall 114 with composition 116 disposed therebetween. Composition 116can comprise the composition described herein for use in settling solidssuspended in liquids. Cartridge 110 can further comprise openings 122 ateither end thereof, and can further comprise passageway 120 extendingthrough cartridge 110 between openings 122. In some embodiments,sidewalls 112 and 114 can further comprise perforations 118.

In manufacturing cartridge 110, composition 116 can be prepared usingany of the manufacturing methods described above, and then poured orplaced into a mould to affix the final desired shape for composition 116for cartridge 110.

Referring to FIG. 2, one embodiment of cartridge 110 is shown. In someembodiments, cartridge 110 can comprise cylindrical outer sidewall 112and cylindrical inner sidewall 114 operatively coupled or attached toend cap 113 comprising bottom 115 and sidewall 117 extendingsubstantially perpendicular or orthogonal therefrom, with opening 122disposed therethrough on bottom 115 to passageway 120. Sidewalls 112 and114 can further comprise perforations 118 disposed therethrough toprovide access or communication to composition 116 disposed betweensidewalls 112 and 114.

In some embodiments, cartridge 110 can be placed in a reactor for use inflocculating and/or settling solids suspended in liquids. In someembodiments, sidewalls 112 and 114 and end cap 113 can be comprised ofmetal or other suitable material as obvious to those skilled in the art.In some embodiments, sidewalls 112 and 114 can be welded or otherwiseattached or fastened to end cap 113. In other embodiments, sidewalls 112and 114 and end cap 113 can be formed as a singular, integral unit. Insome embodiments, sidewalls 112 and 114 and end cap 113 can be circularin cross-section as can be reactor housing 124, as illustrated in thefigures, although it is obvious to those skilled in the art thatsidewalls 112 and 114, end cap 113 and reactor housing 124 can compriseany suitable or functionally equivalent shape in cross-section, whichcan include elliptical or oval, triangular, rectangular or polygonalshapes (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 3, cartridge is shown disposed in reactor housing 124.For the purposes of illustration only, reactor housing 124 is shown inFIG. 3 in an inverted configuration wherein outlet 128 is exiting fromthe top of reactor housing 124. In some embodiments, reactor housings124 can be configured such that outlet 128 is on the bottom, and inlet126 is disposed near the bottom of reactor housing 124. In otherembodiments, reactor housings 124 can be configured as shown in FIG. 3.

In some embodiments, housing 124 can comprise inlet 126 to receiveliquids containing suspended solids, and outlet 128 to allow the liquidsto exit housing 124. In further embodiments, inlet 126 can comprise atangential inlet wherein liquids entering housing 124 can circulatewithin housing 124 in a vortex or spiral path around the outside ofsidewall 112 of cartridge 110 before entering passageway 120 and passingtherethrough to outlet 128. The number of perforations 118 disposedthrough sidewalls 112 and 114, and their diameter and their spacingrelative to each other, can be selected as a matter of design choice bythose skilled in the art to adjust the amount of composition 116 that isexposed to liquids flowing through housing 124 having regard to thevolume of liquids that can be held by housing 124 and the rate of flowof liquids flowing through housing 124. As liquids pass through housing124, the liquids can contact composition 116 through perforations 118.In some embodiments, composition 116 can dissolve when liquids flowingthrough housing 124 contact composition 116. When dissolved in theliquids, composition 116 can contact the solids suspended in liquids andcause the solids to settle out. In some embodiments, the range of openarea that perforations 118 provide on sidewalls 112 and 114 can rangefrom approximately 20% to 80% open area. By adjusting the open area ofperforations 118, the rate at which composition 116 can be contacted byliquids flowing through housing 124 and dissolve therein can becontrolled. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 124 is shown as acylindrical enclosure. In this embodiment, cartridge 110 can comprise anouter and inner concentric tubes to form sidewalls 112 and 114,respectively, although it is obvious to those skilled in the art thatthe physical configuration of housing 124, and cartridge 110 andsidewalls 112 and 114 contained therein can, be adapted to any otherphysical configuration that can accommodate the flow of liquidstherethrough. In the manufacture of cartridge 110 as shown in FIG. 1, 2or 3, composition 116 can be prepared using any of the manufacturingmethods described above, and then poured or placed between the outer andinner concentric tubes that form sidewalls 112 and 114 until composition116 has set or cured.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, one embodiment of reactor housing 124 isshown in various stages when fitting a cartridge 110 therein. In FIG. 4,reactor housing 124 is shown in an empty state. In some embodiments,reactor housing 124 can comprise bottom surface 35 and lip 33, which canbe configured to receive opening 122 disposed on bottom 115 of cartridge110, as shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 5, a cartridge 110 is placed withinreactor housing 124. In FIG. 6, spring cap 127 is placed on top ofcartridge 110. Spring cap 127 can comprise base plate 38, which canfurther an opening to provide communication to opening 122 of cartridge110, and spring bracket 137 and biasing means 129 disposed thereonwherein spring bracket 137 can be configured to position biasing means129 in an elevated position with respect to cartridge 110 so as toprovide access to opening 122. When lid 139 is placed on and secured toreactor housing 124 with latches 125 (as shown in FIG. 9), biasing means129 can be compressed to, in combination with spring cap 127, biascartridge 110 towards bottom surface 35 to hold, or otherwise support,cartridge 110 in place within reactor housing 124. In some embodiments,biasing means 129 can comprise a coil spring although it is obvious tothose skilled in the art that any other functionally equivalent meanscan be used, such as compressible elastomeric materials, foam rubber, acompressible bladder filled with air or other suitable gas or gases, orany combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a plurality of reactor housings 124 can be combinedtogether in a system to increase the amount of liquids that can betreated to flocculate or settle suspended solids therefrom. Referring toFIG. 7, a plurality of housings 124 can be combined together in aparallel configuration. In this configuration, incoming liquid stream130 can enter inlet manifold 131 and be directed to one of a pluralityof inlet valves 132 prior to entering one of a plurality of housings124. Liquids exiting each housing 124 can pass through one of aplurality of outlet valves 134 before being combined at outlet manifold135 and exiting as outgoing stream 136. In some embodiments, inlet andoutlet valves 132 and 134 can be used to stop the flow of liquidsthrough a particular housing 124. The need to stop the flow of liquidsthrough one or more housings 124 can be related to amount of liquids tobe treated or processed. One or more housings 124 can be “turned off” byclosing valves 132 and 134 for those housings 124 if the volume ofliquids to be treated or processed or reduced. In other circumstances,any particular housing 124 can be “turned off” by closing valves 132 and134 to allow the particular housing 124 to be repaired or to replacecartridge 110 contained therein if all of the composition 116 indisposed cartridge 110 has been dissolved or consumed. After replacingcartridge 110 in housing 124 with a new cartridge, housing 124 can thenbe returned to service by opening valves 132 and 134 after the newcartridge has been installed. In some embodiments, outgoing stream 136can empty into a settling pond or tank to allow solids to settle.

In other embodiments, a plurality of housings 124 can be configured in aseries/parallel configured as shown in FIG. 8. In this configuration,there can be two or more parallel streams of two or more housings 124connected in series. Incoming stream 130 can enter inlet manifold 131and pass through one of a plurality of inlet valves 132 to enter aseries stream of housings 124. In each series stream, liquid exiting onehousing 124 can pass through an outlet valve 134 before entering thenext housing 124. Liquid exiting the last housing 124 of a series streamcan pass through another outlet valve 134 before being combined withother series streams at outlet manifold 135 before exiting the wholesystem as outgoing stream 136. In some embodiments, outgoing stream 36can empty into a settling pond or tank to allow solids to settle.

For the purposes of illustration only, the systems shown in FIGS. 7 and8 are illustrated in an inverted configuration wherein outlets 128 exitfrom the top of reactor housings 124. In some embodiments, reactorhousings 124 can be configured such that outlets 128 are disposed on thebottom thereof, and inlets 126 are disposed near the bottom of reactorhousings 124. In other embodiments, reactor housings 124 can beconfigured as shown in these figures.

Referring to FIG. 9, six reactor housings 124 are shown mounted on frame150 in a series-parallel configuration, similar to as shown in FIG. 8.In this illustrated embodiment, two parallel streams of three reactorhousings 124 connected in series are shown.

In further embodiments of either of the representative embodiments shownin FIG. 7 or 8, outgoing stream 136 can pass through filtration medium138 to filter out solids that have clumped together as a result ofcontacting dissolved composition 116 after passing through reactorhousings 124, thereby resulting in clarified stream 140. In someembodiments, filtration medium 138 can comprise burlap and/or otherfiltration materials or media, alone or in combination, as well known tothose skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, one or more cartridges 110 can be used in areaction tank such as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/237,653 (published Dec. 10, 2009), which is incorporated in thisapplication in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein canbe used to flocculate or settle solids suspended in storm water,accumulated water at construction sites, mine waste water and industrialtailings, and other general inflow applications such as rivers, canals,creeks, ponds and others as obvious to those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein canbe used to flocculate or settle solids suspended in wastewater effluent,such as black water and grey water applications, and others as obviousto those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein canbe used to flocculate or settle solids suspended in drilling fluids usedin the drilling of wells and in other drilling operations as obvious tothose skilled in the art. In other embodiments, the compositions andmethods described herein can be used to flocculate or settle solidssuspended in water used in the initial drilling of wells before a firstformation of oil or gas is hit with the drilling operation. In theseembodiments, the water used in such drilling can be clarified and reusedin the drilling process.

In some embodiments, a system and method is provided for treating watercomprising suspended solids and, in further embodiments, for treatingsewage. Referring to FIG. 10, a block diagram of one embodiment of asystem for treating water or sewage is shown. In some embodiments, thesystem can comprise screening tank 01 for receiving water or sewage froma source of the same, and screen out or filter large particles or solidsdisposed in the water or sewage; at least one septic tank 02 forreceiving screened water or sewage; primary clarifier 03; flocculanttank 04 for holding a first flocculant that can be injected or meteredinto primary clarifier 03; secondary clarifier 06 for receivingclarified water or sewage from primary clarifier 03; surge tank 08 forreceiving further clarified water or sewage from secondary clarifier 06;primary filter 09 for receiving further clarified water or sewage fromsurge tank 08; secondary filter 10 for receiving filtered water orsewage from primary filter 09; and disinfection and surge tank 11 forreceiving filter water or sewage from secondary filter 10 to disinfectthe clarified and filtered water or sewage to produce treated water orsewage effluent. In some embodiments, the first flocculant can compriseFOGT™-Lynx™ floccuant as manufactured by Clearflow Enviro Systems GroupInc. of Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada that is configured to treatdomestic or commercial waste-water streams comprising fat, oil and/orgrease, which can reduce the chemical oxygen demand (“COD”), thebiochemical oxygen demand (“BOD”) and turbidity of effluent water. Insome embodiments, the system can further comprise flocculant reactor 05,operatively coupled to primary clarifier 03 and configured to receivewater or sewage from primary clarifier 03 and allow the water or sewageto react or mix with a second flocculant disposed in flocculant reactor05 and return the water or sewage to primary clarifier 03. In someembodiments, floccument reactor 05 can comprise a PR-5™ flocculantreactor, as manufactured by Clearflow Enviro Systems Group Inc., supra.In some embodiments, the flocculant used in flocculant reactor 05 cancomprise the flocculant composition disclosed in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/433,433 filed Jan. 17, 2011, which is incorporated byreference into this application in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the system can further comprise sludge dewateringtank 07A configured to receive settled solids from one or both ofprimary clarifier 03 and secondary clarifier 06, and to allow suchsolids to settle further. In some embodiments, the system can furthercomprise solids collection tank 07B configured to receive the settledsolids from sludge dewatering tank 07A where water can further beremoved from the solids.

In some embodiments, the system can further comprise controller 12 tocontrol the operation of the system. In some embodiments, controller 12can comprise a general purpose computer or microcontroller, aprogrammable logic controller (“PLC”) or any other functionallyequivalent controller as known and obvious to those skilled in the artto control the operation of the system to treat water or sewagecomprising suspended solids. In some embodiments, the system can bedisposed in a trailer that can be transported by a vehicle to anylocation where water or sewage is to be treated. In other embodiments,the system can be disposed in a standard 8′ by 8′ by 20′ shippingcontainer wherein the system can be transported to any location by anymeans configured to transport such shipping containers as well known tothose skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the system can be scaledlarger or smaller in size and/or fluid-handling capacity as necessary orrequired for any particular application, as obvious to those skilled inthe art.

Referring to FIG. 11, an alternate embodiment of the system is shown. Insome embodiments, screening tank 01 and septic 02 can be disposed in asingle tank unit wherein water or sewage can be pumped therefrom tomixing reactor 03A. Flocculant from flocculant tank 04 can be pumpedtherefrom and mixed with the water or sewage prior to entering mixingreactor 03A. In some embodiments, the flocculant can compriseFOGT™-Lynx™ flocculant as manufactured by Clearflow Enviro Systems Inc.,supra. In some embodiments, mixing reactor 03A can comprise aFOGT™-Lynx™ reactor as manufactured by Clearflow Enviro Systems Inc.,supra. Water or sewage can pass through mixing reactor 03A in primaryclarifier 03B wherein at least some of the suspended solids disposed inthe water or sewage can settle therein. In some embodiments, primaryclarifier 03B can further comprise a pump to draw water or sewage fromthe bottom of primary clarifier 03B and reintroduce the water or sewagenear the top of primary clarifier 03B. In some embodiments, the systemcan comprise flocculant reactor 05 wherein a pump can draw water orsewage from the bottom of primary clarifier 03B and pump it throughflocculant reactor 05 and then back into primary clarifier 03B. In someembodiments, a pump can be used to draw water or sewage from primaryclarifier 03B and pump it to secondary clarifier 06. Clarified water orsewage disposed in secondary clarifier 06 can then feed into surge tank08 wherein the clarified water or sewage can be pumped through one ormore filters. In some embodiments, the system can pump clarified wateror sewage from surge tank 08 through one or more filters. In theillustrated embodiment, the system can pump clarified water or sewagefrom surge tank 08 through primary filter 09 and then through filter 10into disinfection and surge tank 11 wherein the clarified water orsewage can be disinfected to produce treated water or sewage effluent.In some embodiments, the filter media used in either or both of primaryfilter 09 and secondary filter 10 can comprise one or more of thefollowing media: sand, zeolites, bentonites, anthracites, activatedcarbon or any other functionally equivalent filter media that can adsorborganic and/or inorganic substances as well known to those skilled inthe art.

As shown and described in FIG. 10, the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 canalso comprise sludge dewatering tank 07A that can receive settled solidsfrom one or both of primary clarifier 03B and secondary clarifier 06wherein the solids can further settle in sludge dewatering tank 07A andthen drawn off from the bottom thereof and pumped to solids collectiontank 07B. In solids collection tank 07B, water can be removed from thesettled solids and pumped into surge tank 08, and the dry solids can beremoved and disposed of as well known to those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the system can comprise controller 12 to controlthe operation of the system, including the operation of the pumps andvalves as shown in FIG. 11, to control the flow of water or sewagethrough the elements of the system from screening tank 01 todisinfection and surge tank 11. In some embodiments, controller 12 cancomprise a general purpose computer or microcontroller, a PLC or anyother functionally equivalent controller as known and obvious to thoseskilled in the art to control the operation of the system to treat wateror sewage comprising suspended solids.

In this embodiment, mixing reactor 03A can be a separate component ofthe system from that of primary clarifier 03B. In other embodiments,mixing reactor 03A can be disposed in primary clarifier 03B, asillustrated in FIG. 12.

Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications might be made without departing from the scope of theinvention. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specificationhave been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, andthere is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions ofexcluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portionsthereof, it being recognized that the invention is defined and limitedonly by the claims that follow.

We claim:
 1. A system for treating waste water comprising suspendedsolids, the system comprising: a) a screening tank configured to receivethe waste water; b) at least one septic tank configured to receive thewaste water from the screening tank; c) a mixing reactor configured toreceive the waste water from the at least one septic tank; d) aflocculant tank configured to inject a first flocculant into the mixingreactor wherein the first flocculant mixes with the waste water, whereinthe first flocculant comprises: I) a polymer flocculant comprising ahigh molecular weight, in a proportion of approximately 10% to 70% byweight, ii) a soluble salt of a group IA metal or a soluble salt of agroup IIA metal, in a proportion of approximately 0.5% to 35% by weight,and iii) water; e) a primary clarifier configured to receive the wastewater mixed with the flocculent from the mixing reactor wherein at leastsome of the suspended solids disposed in the waste water settle in theprimary clarifier to produce first clarified waste water and firstsettled solids; f) a secondary clarifier configured to receive the firstclarified waste water from the primary clarifier wherein at least someof the suspended solids disposed in the first clarified waste watersettle in the secondary clarifier to produce second clarified wastewater and second settled solids; g) a surge tank configured to receivethe second clarified waste water from the secondary clarifier; and h) atleast one filter tank configured to receive the second clarified wastewater from the surge tank wherein the second clarified waste water isfiltered to produce treated waste water.
 2. The system as set forth inclaim 1, further comprising a flocculent reactor operatively connectedto the primary clarifier wherein at least some of the waste waterdisposed in the primary clarifier passes through the flocculant reactorto react or mix with a second flocculent before it is fed back into theprimary clarifier.
 3. The system as set forth in claim 2, wherein thesecond flocculant comprises the first flocculant.
 4. The system as setforth in claim 1, further comprising a disinfection and surge tankconfigured to receive the treated waste water from the at least onefilter tank wherein the treated waste water is disinfected.
 5. Thesystem as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a sludge storage tankconfigured to receive one or both of the first settled solids from theprimary clarifier and the second settled solids from the secondaryclarifier.
 6. The system as set forth in claim 5, further comprising asludge dewatering tank configured to receive settled solids from thesludge storage tank and to remove water from the settled solids.
 7. Thesystem as set forth in claim 1, wherein the water of the firstflocculant is in a proportion to make up the balance of 100% weight. 8.The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the soluble salt is acombination of a salt of the group IA metal or a salt of the group IIAmetal and an organic acid or a mineral acid.
 9. A method for treatingwaste water comprising suspended solids, the method comprising the stepsof: a) passing the waste water through a screening tank; b) passing thescreened waste water through at least one septic tank; c) passing thescreened waste water from the septic tank through a mixing reactor; d)injecting a first flocculent into the mixing reactor wherein the firstflocculant mixes with the screened waste water, wherein the firstflocculent comprises: I) a polymer flocculent comprising a highmolecular weight, in a proportion of approximately 10% to 70% by weight,ii) a soluble salt of a group IA metal or a soluble salt of a group IIAmetal, in a proportion of approximately 0.5% to 35% by weight, and iii)water; e) passing the screened waste water from the mixing reactorthrough a primary clarifier wherein at least some of the suspendedsolids disposed in the screened waste water settle in the primaryclarifier to produce first clarified waste water and first settledsolids; f) passing the first clarified waste water through a secondaryclarifier wherein at least some of the suspended solids disposed in thefirst clarified waste water settle in the secondary clarifier to producesecond clarified waste water and second settled solids; g) passing thesecond clarified waste water through a surge tank; and h) passing thesecond clarified waste water through at least one filter tank whereinthe second clarified waste is filtered to produce treated waste water.10. The method as set forth in claim 9, further comprising the step ofpassing at least some of the screened waste water disposed in theprimary clarifier through a flocculant reactor to react or mix with asecond flocculant before passing back into the primary clarifier. 11.The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the second flocculantcomprises the first flocculant.
 12. The method as set forth in claim 9further comprising the step of passing the treated waste water through adisinfection and surge tank wherein the treated waste water isdisinfected.
 13. The method as set forth in claim 9, further comprisingthe step of passing one or both of the first settled solids from theprimary clarifier and the second settled solids from the secondaryclarifier to a sludge storage tank.
 14. The method as set forth in claim13, further comprising the step of removing water from the settledsolids disposed in the sludge storage tank.
 15. The method as set forthin claim 9, wherein the water of the first flocculant is in a proportionto make up the balance of 100% weight.
 16. The method as set forth inclaim 9, wherein the soluble salt is a combination of a salt of thegroup IA metal or a salt of the group IIA metal and an organic acid or amineral acid.
 17. A system for treating sewage comprising suspendedsolids, the system comprising: a) a screening tank configured to receivethe sewage; b) at least one septic tank configured to receive the sewagefrom the screening tank; c) a mixing reactor configured to receive thesewage from the at least one septic tank; d) a flocculant tankconfigured to inject a first flocculant into the mixing reactor whereinthe first flocculant mixes with the sewage, wherein the first flocculentcomprises: I) a polymer flocculant comprising a high molecular weight,in a proportion of approximately 10% to 70% by weight, ii) a solublesalt of a group IA metal or a soluble salt of a group IIA metal, in aproportion of approximately 0.5% to 35% by weight, and iii) water; e) aprimary clarifier configured to receive the sewage mixed with theflocculant from the mixing reactor wherein at least some of thesuspended solids disposed in the sewage settle in the primary clarifiero produce first clarified sewage and first settled solids; f) asecondary clarifier configured to receive the first clarified sewagefrom the primary clarifier wherein at least some of the suspended solidsdisposed in the first clarified sewage settle in the secondary clarifierto produce second clarified sewage and second settled solids; g) a surgetank configured to receive the second clarified sewage from thesecondary clarifier; and h) at least one filter tank configured toreceive the second clarified sewage from the surge tank wherein thesecond clarified sewage is filtered to produce treated sewage.
 18. Thesystem as set forth in claim 17, further comprising a flocculant reactoroperatively connected to the primary clarifier wherein at least some ofthe sewage disposed in the primary clarifier passes through theflocculant reactor to react or mix with a second flocculant before it isfed back into the primary clarifier.
 19. The system as set forth inclaim 18, wherein the second flocculant comprises the first flocculant.20. The system as set forth in claim 17, further comprising adisinfection and surge tank configured to receive the treated sewagefrom the at least one filter tank wherein the treated sewage isdisinfected.
 21. The system as set forth in claim 17, further comprisinga sludge storage tank configured to receive one or both of the firstsettled solids from the primary clarifier and the second settled solidsfrom the secondary clarifier.
 22. The system as set forth in claim 21,further comprising a sludge dewatering tank configured to receivesettled solids from the sludge storage tank and to remove water from thesettled solids.
 23. The system as set forth in claim 17, wherein thewater of the first flocculant is in a proportion to make up the balanceof 100% weight.
 24. The system as set forth in claim 17, wherein thesoluble salt is a combination of a salt of the group IA metal or a saltof the group IIA metal and an organic acid or a mineral acid.
 25. Amethod for treating sewage comprising suspend solids, the methodcomprising the steps of: a) passing the sewage through a screening tank;b) passing the screened sewage through at least one septic tank; c)passing the screened sewage from the septic tank through a mixingreactor; d) injecting a first flocculant into the mixing reactor whereinthe first flocculant mixes with the screened sewage, wherein the firstflocculent comprises: I) a polymer flocculant comprising a highmolecular weight, in a proportion of approximately 10% to 70% by weight,ii) a soluble salt of a group IA metal or a soluble salt of a group IIAmetal, in a proportion of approximately 0.5% to 35% by weight, and iii)water; e) passing the screened sewage from the mixing reactor through aprimary clarifier wherein at least some of the suspended solids disposedin the screened sewage settle in the primary clarifier to produce firstclarified sewage and first settled solids; f)passing the first clarifiedsewage through a secondary clarifier wherein at least some of thesuspended solids disposed in the first clarified sewage settle in thesecondary clarifier to produce second clarified sewage and secondsettled solids; g) passing the second clarified sewage through a surgetank; and h) passing the second clarified sewage through at least onefilter tank wherein the second clarified waste is filtered to producetreated sewage.
 26. The method as set forth in claim 25, furthercomprising the step of passing at least some of the screened sewagedisposed in the primary clarifier through a flocculant reactor to reactor mix with a second flocculant before passing back into the primaryclarifier.
 27. The method as set forth in claim 26, wherein the secondflocculant comprises the first flocculant.
 28. The method as set forthin claim 25, further comprising the step of passing the treated sewagethrough a disinfection and surge tank wherein the treated sewage isdisinfected.
 29. The method as set forth in claim 25, further comprisingthe step of passing one or both of the first settled solids from theprimary clarifier and the second settled solids from the secondaryclarifier to a sludge storage tank.
 30. The method as set forth in claim29, further comprising the step of removing water from the settledsolids disposed in the sludge storage tank.
 31. The method as set forthin claim 25, wherein the water of the first flocculant is in aproportion to make up the balance of 100% weight.
 32. The method as setforth in claim 25, wherein the soluble salt is a combination of a saltof the group IA metal or a salt of the group IIA metal and an organicacid or a mineral acid.
 33. A method for treating waste water comprisingsuspended solids, the method comprising the steps of: a) screening thewaste water; b) passing the screened waste water through at least oneseptic tank; c) mixing the screened waste water with a first flocculantafter the screened waste water has passed through the at least oneseptic tank, wherein the first flocculant comprises: I) a polymerflocculant comprising a high molecular weight, in a proportion ofapproximately 10% to 70% by weight, ii) a soluble salt of a group IAmetal or a soluble salt of a group IIA metal, in a proportion ofapproximately 0.5% to 35% by weight, and iii) water; d) settling atleast some of the suspended solids disposed in the screened waste waterto produce first clarified waste water and first settled solids; e)settling at least some of the suspended solids disposed in the firstclarified waste water to produce second clarified waste water and secondsettled solids; f) passing the second clarified waste water through asurge tank; and g) filtering the second clarified waste water after thesecond clarified waste water has passed through the surge tank toproduce treated waste water.
 34. The method as set forth in claim 33,further comprising the step of reacting or mixing at least some of thescreened waste water from the primary clarifier with a second flocculantbefore returning the at least some of the screened waste water to theprimary clarifier.
 35. The method as set forth in claim 34, wherein thesecond flocculant comprises the first flocculant.
 36. The method as setforth in claim 33, further comprising the step of disinfecting thetreated waste water.
 37. The method as set forth in claim 33, furthercomprising the step of receiving one or both of the first settled solidsand the second settled solids.
 38. The method as set forth in claim 37,further comprising the step of removing water from the settled solids.39. The method as set forth in claim 33, wherein the water of the firstflocculant is in a proportion to make up the balance of 100% weight. 40.The method as set forth in claim 33, wherein the soluble salt is acombination of a salt of the group IA metal or a salt of the group IIAmetal and an organic acid or a mineral acid.
 41. A system for treatingwaste water comprising suspended solids, the system comprising: a) ascreening tank configured for screening the waste water; b) at least oneseptic tank; c) a mixing reactor configured for mixing the screenedwaste water with a first flocculant after the screened waste water haspassed through the at least one septic tank, wherein the firstflocculant comprises: I) a polymer flocculant comprising a highmolecular weight, in a proportion of approximately 10% to 70% by weight,ii) a soluble salt of a group IA metal or a soluble salt of a group IIAmetal, in a proportion of approximately 0.5% to 35% by weight, and iii)water; d) a primary clarifier configured for settling at least some ofthe suspended solids disposed in the screened waste water to producefirst clarified waste water and first settled solids; e) a secondaryclarifier configured for settling at least some of the suspended solidsdisposed in the first clarified waste water to produce second clarifiedwaste water and second settled solids; f) a surge tank; and g) at leastone filter tank configured for filtering the second clarified wastewater to produce treated waste water.
 42. The system as set forth inclaim 41, further comprising a flocculant reactor configured forreacting or mixing at least some of the screened waste water with asecond flocculant.
 43. The system as set forth in claim 42, wherein thesecond flocculant comprises the first flocculant.
 44. The system as setforth in claim 41, further comprising a disinfection and surge tankconfigured for disinfecting the treated waste water.
 45. The system asset forth in claim 41, further comprising a sludge storage tankconfigured for receiving one or both of the first settled solids and thesecond settled solids.
 46. The system as set forth in claim 41, whereinthe water of the first flocculant is in a proportion to make up thebalance of 100% weight.
 47. The system as set forth in claim 41, whereinthe soluble salt is a combination of a salt of the group IA metal or asalt of the group IIA metal and an organic acid or a mineral acid.
 48. Amethod for treating sewage comprising suspended solids, the methodcomprising the steps of: a) screening the sewage; b) passing thescreened sewage through at least one septic tank; c) mixing the screenedsewage with a first flocculant after the screened sewage has passedthrough the at least one septic tank, wherein the first flocculentfurther comprises: I) a polymer flocculant comprising a high molecularweight, in a proportion of approximately 10% to 70% by weight, ii) asoluble salt of a group IA metal or a soluble salt of a group IIA metal,in a proportion of approximately 0.5% to 35% by weight, and iii) water;d) settling at least some of the suspended solids disposed in thescreened sewage to produce first clarified sewage and first settledsolids; e) settling at least some of the suspended solids disposed inthe first clarified sewage to produce second clarified sewage and secondsettled solids; f) passing the second clarified sewage through a surgetank; and g) filtering the second clarified sewage after the secondclarified sewage has passed through the surge tank to produce treatedsewage.
 49. The method as set forth in claim 48, further comprising thestep of reacting or mixing at least some of the screened sewage from theprimary clarifier with a second flocculant before returning the at leastsome of the screened sewage to the primary clarifier.
 50. The method asset orth in claim 49, wherein the second flocculant comprises the firstflocculant.
 51. The method as set forth in claim 48, further comprisingthe step of disinfecting the treated sewage.
 52. The method as set forthin claim 48, further comprising the step of receiving one or both of thefirst settled solids and the second settled solids.
 53. The method asset forth in claim 52, further comprising the step of removing waterfrom the settled solids.
 54. The method as set forth in claim 48,wherein the water of the first flocculant is in a proportion to make upthe balance of 100% weight.
 55. The method as set forth in claim 48,wherein the soluble salt is a combination of a salt of the group IAmetal or a salt of the group IIA metal and an organic acid or a mineralacid.
 56. a system for treating sewage comprising suspended solids, thesystem comprising: a) a screening tank configured for screening thesewage; b) at least one septic tank; c) a mixing reactor configured formixing the screened sewage with a first flocculant after the screenedsewage has passed through the at least one septic tank, wherein thefirst flocculant further comprises: I) a polymer flocculant comprising ahigh molecular weight, in a proportion of approximately 10% to 70% byweight, ii) a soluble salt of a group IA metal or a soluble salt of agroup IIA metal, in a proportion of approximately 0.5% to 35% by weight,and iii) water; d) a primary clarifier configured for settling at leastsome of the suspended solids disposed in the screened sewage to producefirst clarified sewage and first settled solids; e) a secondaryclarifier configured for settling at least some of the suspended solidsdisposed in the first clarified sewage to produce second clarifiedsewage and second settled solids; f) a surge tank; and g) at least onefilter tank configured for filtering the second clarified sewage toproduce treated sewage.
 57. The system as set forth in claim 56, furthercomprising a flocculant reactor configured for reacting or mixing atleast some of the screened sewage with a second flocculant.
 58. Thesystem as set forth in claim 57, wherein the second flocculant comprisesthe first flocculent.
 59. The system as set forth in claim 56, furthercomprising a disinfection and surge tank configured for disinfecting thetreated sewage.
 60. The system as set forth in claim 56, furthercomprising a slundge storage tank configured for receiving one or bothof the first settled solids and the second settled solids.
 61. Thesystem as set forth in claim 56, wherein the water of the firstflocculant is in a proportion to make up the balance of 100% weight. 62.The system as set forth in claim 56, wherein the soluble salt is acombination of a salt of the group IA metal or a salt of the group IIAmetal and an organic acid or a mineral acid.